Depression impacts millions of people. With an estimated 21 million adults in the U.S. thought to have experienced one or more major depressive episodes in 2020, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH),the search for improved treatment options—outside of standard medication—continues.
A recent study published in Translational Psychiatry has found that probiotics may be a helpful supplemental treatment for people with depression.
The study adds to current evidence demonstrating a link between gut health and mental health.
According to the NIMH, a major depressive episode is defined as:
“A period of at least two weeks when a person experienced a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, and had a majority of specified symptoms, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, or self-worth.”
Treatment for depression is often different for each person because the symptoms and severity are different for everyone.
The study in question was a randomized controlled trial that delved deeper into the relationship between the natural bacteria in the gut and its connection to the brain. The study authors note that previous research has shown that among people with depression, there are also changes to the composition of the bacteria in the gut. Participants included in the study were adults who currently had depression. Researchers used the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale to evaluate participants’ depression. The participants were in one of two groups: one group received probiotics over four weeks while the other received a placebo.
The researchers found that the participants who received the probiotic had a higher reduction in their depressive symptoms. They also saw an increase in a group of bacteria called Lactobacillus among the gut flora of the participants who received the probiotic.
The study provides valuable data and indicates that the use of probiotics may be helpful in the treatment of depression. However, the study also had several limitations.
